The United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has said Zamfara State is now open and accessible, reaffirming the UN’s readiness to partner with the state in advancing development initiatives.
She made this known during an official visit to Governor Dauda Lawal at the Government House in Gusau.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the Deputy Secretary-General also conducted on-site inspections in Maru Local Government Area and other locations across the state.
Speaking during the visit, Amina Mohammed noted that the presentations made by the Zamfara State Government were clear and provided a solid basis for partnership.
According to her, investors require an enabling environment, stressing that peace remains a key factor in attracting investment, adding that the prevailing narrative about Zamfara, particularly relating to conflicts over solid minerals, needs to change.
“What you have shown us today is, first and foremost, your passion and clarity about what you want, and that is what investors are looking for,” she said.
“I am happy to be here in Zamfara because it is important to draw global attention to what is happening at the local level, where people are most vulnerable, governance is weakest, and resources are limited.
“When we visit, we give visibility to the efforts being made and highlight the impact of global challenges on communities that are not responsible for them.
“Zamfara State is accessible today, and it will become even more accessible as ongoing road projects are completed. This will revive businesses and markets, and hopefully, enhance peace in the state.
“I see the mining potential, the markets, and the demand, but I also see leadership that is ready to strengthen institutions, build frameworks, and partner to get the job done.
“There is a lot of hope and potential here. Everyone must play their part; this is not something the governor can do alone. The United Nations is willing to be a genuine partner to Zamfara State,” she added.
During the Zamfara State multi-sectoral briefing, Governor Dauda Lawal outlined his administration’s plans to advance sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive growth through strategic partnerships.
He stated that Zamfara is at a turning point, with a population of about 5.3 million people, noting that the state’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, with about 82 percent of the population dependent on the sector.
“Zamfara’s Six-Point Rescue Agenda is a deliberate strategy to stabilise, rebuild, and transition the state toward inclusive and sustainable development,” the governor said.
The statement further revealed that the UN delegation included the UNDP Country Representative, Elsie Attafuah; Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary-General, Hadiza Elayo; Country Head of UNODC, Cheikh Toure; Country Head of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed; Country Head of IOM, Sharon Dimanche; Country Head of UNHCR, Arjun Jain; Country Head of UNAIDS, Krittayawan Boonto; and Country Headof UNFPA, Francis Kuawu.
